Umno ministers' testimonies unlikely to impact Najib's case, lawyer says
'The judiciary operates independently, free from external influence, including ministers. Judges base their rulings on the evidence presented during the trial, not on the status or titles of witnesses.'
SHAH ALAM - The presence of Umno ministers as court witnesses is unlikely to benefit former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in verifying the authenticity of the royal addendum.
Lawyer Mohd Ridwan Talib emphasised that testimonies from these individuals would be considered hearsay and would not carry weight in court.
"According to the principles of the Law of Evidence, only the issuer of the royal addendum, specifically the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, is qualified to testify about its authenticity in court," he said.
This situation would arise only if the existence of the edict is contested in court, he added.
Ridwan further stated that the statements of Umno ministers are irrelevant and will not influence the court’s decision.
"The judiciary operates independently, free from external influence, including ministers. Judges base their rulings on the evidence presented during the trial, not on the status or titles of witnesses.
"This ensures that decisions regarding Najib’s application remain transparent, fair and unquestionable," he said.
He also urged the public to trust the expertise and integrity of the judges presiding over Najib’s case, assuring that the legal process is fair and just.
"In cases involving full pardons under Article 42, Clauses (1) and (2) of the Federal Constitution, Clause (4) specifies that while the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has discretion, His Majesty must act on the advice of the Pardons Board.
"This principle is designed to prevent undue interference in the pardon process and upholds the foundations of Malaysia’s Constitutional Monarchy," Ridwan added.
Last week, Umno ministers in the government reportedly expressed their willingness to testify in the High Court if needed to clarify issues related to the royal addendum.
Ridwan also stated that if Najib were allowed to serve his sentence under house arrest, it could influence efforts for his political return.
"However, Najib’s unresolved cases in the High Court could remain significant barriers to his comeback," he said.
